February 2012 - The Dental Place

February 27, 2012

As with most illnesses or medical conditions, there are several degrees of severity. The same pertains to gum disease. From the onset of gingivitis to the more serious periodontitis, there are usually many signs that would warrant a visit to The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic bad breath can be an indicator that you are experiencing gum disease. The usual culprit to halitosis is attributed to the foods we eat. But excess bacteria build-up in the mouth can linger on teeth, gum tissue and in between teeth causing gingivitis and the onset of gum disease.

Bleeding gum tissue is not normal. Brushing with a hard bristle tooth brush or by exerting too much pressure can result in some bleeding. Switch to a soft bristle brush and consider an electric toothbrush. Not only will an electric tooth brush help to control the pressure used when brushing, but most come with a built in timer that lets you know if you are brushing the recommended two minutes. If gums continue to bleed after making these changes, it is time to visit our cosmetic dentists in Grand Prairie.

Swollen gums or bright red gum tissue can offer an indication that gum disease is present. Receding gums that are not attributed to aging or brushing habits can also mean the possible onset of gum disease.

Discomfort or teeth that feel loose generally mean that you are experiencing some type of dental issue that requires the urgent diagnosis of your dentist. Putting off a visit to our general and cosmetic dentists Dr. Robert D. Maxey and Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. if your teeth feel loose can result in the loss of these teeth due to disease or infection.

Genetics can play a possible role in gum disease. But just because family members suffer from gum disease does not mean you will. It is possible to avoid contracting gum disease by taking the following measures:

Do not smoke.
Floss daily.
Brush at least twice per day with a fluoridated tooth paste or gel.
Make sure your diet is loaded with healthy foods and eliminate or cut back on sugary snacks and beverages.
Get plenty of rest and keep your body hydrated.
Visit your dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning and thorough exam.

Adhering to these lifestyle habits will not only keep your teeth and gums healthy, but your body as well. If you have symptoms of gum disease, call our dentists in Grand Prairie at 972-264-5795 today!

February 16, 2012

For many patients the very words “root canal” can feel overwhelming. However, improved technology and instrumentation has allowed Dr. Robert D. Maxey and Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. to perform this procedure in less time and with less consternation than ever before.

A root canal is a procedure, one of the dental services in Grand Prairie we offer, is where the nerve and pulp located in the canals of the tooth’s root must be removed due to infection or damage to the nerve. The root canal procedure is performed when the tooth itself is still healthy enough to be salvaged.

The nerve can be impacted by a broken tooth, a tooth that has been subjected to several dental procedures or infection. The process of removing the nerve allows our dentists in Grand Prairie TX to save the tooth. And the nerve serves no purpose but to detect hot or cold once the tooth has erupted through gum tissue so its removal is not detrimental to the tooth.

A root canal is a procedure where the nerve and pulp located in the canals of the tooth’s root must be removed due to infection or damage to the nerve.

When conditions deteriorate to the point that a root canal is recommended, the only other option to a root canal from The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX is to have the tooth removed. If left untreated, an abscess can develop which is a pocket of infection and puss that form around the nerve and base of the root of the affected tooth. Failure to adequately treat an abscess can result in infection spreading to other parts of the body.

Simply clearing up the infection will not repair the nerve once the damage is done. But after the nerve and pulp are removed and the canals are treated and sealed, the underlying problem should be corrected.

Symptoms that a root canal might be needed include sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, discomfort when chewing, discoloring of the tooth or a sore that resembles a pimple that will not go away or is recurring frequently. You might not have any of these symptoms, but if a large filling or tooth suffers a trauma, a root canal might be needed to retain the tooth.

Although no one would actually want to have a root canal, the alternative of losing the tooth and having to undergo the process of a dental implant, bridge, or any type of prosthetic is both time-consuming and quite costly when compared to a root canal.

If you are in need of a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX because delay will not resolve your issue and could result in more serious problems.

February 6, 2012

For many, the idea of having to prepare for a dental emergency might seem minor. But if you have a child or are responsible to care for the well-being of a friend or family member, knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and how to respond if needed is very important. Having a family dentist is a great first step to this preparation.

Many dental providers offer an after-hours number to call for emergencies. Know this number and make it readily available for yourself or a caregiver by posting the number in a conspicuous place. Also carry the number on you in the event of an emergency away from home.

Oddly enough children can be most at risk when at play. Organized sports like soccer, football, softball, basketball or hockey might seem safe enough, and since there are usually coaches around you might feel secure that your child is in good hands.

A single coach will not be able to leave the rest of the team to care for your child. Staying on site during games and practices is a good idea. Also, having your child fitted with a quality, custom mouth guard will help protect teeth, gum tissue, tongue and the soft tissue in the mouth. Wearing a mouth guard can save broken teeth, knocked out teeth, and biting through the tongue or soft tissue in the mouth if hard contact is made.

Accidents do happen. Auto accidents, slips and falls, or everyday events can result in a dental emergency. If a tooth is knocked out, it is critical to get to your dentist within an hour. Carefully rinse the tooth in water being careful not to handle the root of the tooth. If you can replace it in the tooth socket and keep it in place until you can get to the dentist, this will offer you the best chance for your dentist to save the tooth and re-implant it.

A broken or chipped tooth that is not accompanied with discomfort is generally not an emergency, but you should contact our experienced dental team serving theDFW area for an appointment to make sure there is no damage to the nerve. Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of a dental emergency can be the difference between a manageable problem and one that results in a lost tooth. Call The Dental Place in Grand Prairie at 972-264-5795 for additional information.